Meetings will be held in tandem with RTP meetings October through January (see the Royal Theatre Pride tab for specific dates).

Registration for the 2025 Conference has closed.

The International Thespian Society (ITS) is the only theatre honor society for middle and high school students. Affiliation brings credibility and distinction to students, theatre programs, and schools. It is a visible, positive symbol of the quality of your theatre program.

ITS recognizes, rewards, and encourages student achievement and celebrates the work of students in all aspects of theatre – performance and production. Each student is honored on a national level and gains access to opportunities and resources beyond those of their school.

MN Thespians is the Minnesota Chapter of the Educational Theatre Association (EdTA).

The purpose and aim of the state chapter is to:

• Advocate for and celebrate excellence in theatre arts education
• To empower students & teachers through theatrical and leadership experiences that provide creative enrichment, including the annual MN Thespian Conference, an All State Show, the International Thespian Festival, and other opportunities
• To promote passion for the arts

• Lifetime membership in ITS for every student inducted
• Access to Thespian programs, events, scholarships, and resources like Dramatics.org
• Participation in the Thespy® Awards

There is a one-time Thespian induction fee (per student, grades 9-12)

To enter this honor society, students must be in good standing in Royal Theatre productions.  Points are awarded for everything from acting to hanging up posters for shows!  Point recommendations are provided on the Tracking Sheet (found below), but it is ultimately the Thespian Advisor's decision as to how many points are awarded. Generally, 10 hours of work is equal to one point. 

1. Induction: 10 points
2. Honor Thespian: 60 points
3. National Honor Thespian: 120 points
4. International Honor Thespian: 180 points

THINGS THAT QUALIFY FOR HOURS

• Building Set
• Ushering (if you are NOT part of the cast/crew)
• Strike (if you are NOT part of the cast/crew
• Concessions
• Special Projects that have prior approval from Thespian Advisor

THINGS THAT DO NOT QUALIFY FOR HOURS

• Run crew rehearsal time during tech week
• Strike if you are part of the cast/crew/pit

A point system helps track student work, as students earn induction and the designation of Thespian, respectively.  Students go on to earn progressively higher honors.  The recognition students gain through induction into the International Thespian Society signals to colleges and employers their leadership, service, and extracurricular achievements.  It gives theatre students the same validation common for sports or academic success.